HaCked Dr,SaFa7 - Shi6an 7rB

Bananas are an excellent source of nutrition and as such, are another perfect fruit to be one of infants first foods. Bananas are often called one of nature's perfect foods because they are said to contain everything a person needs to survive. One of the most important nutritional components of Bananas is that they contain potassium and fiber. Bananas are also high in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin B2.

The Potassium in bananas often gets a bad rap due to the confusion with sodium (salt). Potassium contributes to healthy blood pressure as well as healthy heart functions. Some studies have suggested that people who consume bananas and other foods high in potassium are less likely to develop atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

Bananas are also known as one of nature's own antacids. They are known to help protect against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage. The reason for this seldom known and almost odd fact is that bananas contain "mucilaginous bulking substances". The help the intestines with producing a mucousy lining and are very very easy to digest.

Besides all of the above fantastic healthy qualities, bananas are the one of the best convenience foods. They come in their own jackets and there is no need to wash them; simply peel & eat! This gives the banana a big thumbs-up for parents; when it comes time for and travel, take out a banana and feel great knowing that you and your children are indulging in one of nature's perfect foods! Check out the nutritional value of Bananas below:

BANANAS: (one medium)

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 95 IU
Vitamin C - 11 mg
Folate (important during pregnancy) - 22.5 mcg
Vitamin B6 - .7mcg
Niacin - .6 mg
Pantothenic Acid - .31 mg
Vitamin E - .67 IU

MINERALS:
Potassium - 467 mg
Magnesium - 43 mg
Phosphorus - 27 mg
Calcium - 7 mg
Selenium - 1.3 mg
Iron - .4 mg
Also contains trace amounts of zinc, manganese and copper

BANANA RECIPES

Banana Purée
1 Ripe Banana
Water, Formula or Breast Milk
Peel and mash ripe banana in a bowl
Add liquid of your choice to thin as needed
Depending on your baby's age and stage, you may not need to add any liquid to the mashed banana. You may also purée the banana in a food processor or blender if desired

Bananas & Tapioca
½ Cup Water
1/3 Cup Quick-cooking Tapioca
1 Banana
½ Cup Vanilla Yogurt

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually add tapioca, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low & cook 5 minutes, continuing to stir constantly. Separately puree the banana & add to the mixture. Blend tapioca with yogurt & banana.

Banana Applesauce Bread
4 Bananas; ripe
1 c Sugar
Mash and Let Sit 15 minutes:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Place bananas in a large bowl and mash with electric mixer. Stir in sugar and let stand for 15 minutes.
Add applesauce and eggs and beat well. Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Pour into 9"x5" loaf pan coated with nonstick vegetable spray. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before removing from pan. Cool on wire rack.
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Banana All Bran Bread
2 c Flour
1 ts Baking powder
1/2 ts Baking soda
1/2 ts Salt
1 1/2 c Mashed bananas
1 1/2 c All Bran
1/2 c Softened butter
3/4 c Sugar
2 Eggs
1/2 c Chopped nuts

Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda & salt.
In second Bowl, combine mashed bananas & cereal; let stand 2 minutes.
In large mixing bowl, beat butter & sugar. Beat in eggs & cereal mixture. Stir in flour mixture & nuts.
Spread in greased 9x5x3" loaf pan.
Bake at 350 degrees about 1 hour, or until it tests done. Let cool 10 minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely. Makes 1 loaf.
Banana Muffins -egg-free dairy-free

3 ripe bananas
1/4 c. oil or melted oleo
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. soda
1 c. chopped walnuts or 1 c. raisins, if desired
1 tsp. salt
2 c. flour

Mash bananas (overripe make the best bread). Add oil and sugar. Mix well. Sift flour, salt and soda together and add to banana mixture. Mix until flour is blended (do not beat).
Put into muffin pans or bread tin and bake at 360 degrees until toothpick comes out clean.
Optional: Add a handful of oatmeal and some raisins or chocolate chips or currants or some coconut or all of them.

Banana Fingers
4 bananas
8 oz. (225g) rolled oats
8 oz. (225g) wholemeal flour
8 oz. (225g) sugar
8 oz. (225g) butter
half a tsp. bicarbonate of soda
2 eggs

Cooking Instructions: Mix together the rolled oats, sugar, wholemeal flour, butter and bicarbonate of soda
Blend in 2 eggs and mix to a stiff dough
Divide into 2 portions and place one portion in the bottom of a greased 9 inch shallow square baking tin
Slice the bananas on to this, then put the other half of the mixture on top
Bake a golden brown and cut into fingers

Banana Pudding
3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 dash salt
3 eggs, separated
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (12 ounces) package vanilla wafers
6 medium bananas
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Combine flour, 1 1/3 cups sugar and salt in a heavy sauce pan.
2. Beat egg yolks; combine egg yolks and milk, mixing well.
3. Stir into dry ingredients; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened.
4. Remove from heat; stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.
5. Layer one-third of wafers in a 3 quart baking dish.
6. Slice bananas, and layer over wafers.
7. Pour one-third of custard over bananas.
8. Repeat layers twice. Beat egg whites (at room temperature) until foamy.
9. Gradually add 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.
10. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla, and beat until blended.
11. Spread meringue over custard, sealing edges of dish.
12. Bake at 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.